Soup or Sonic

Soup or Sonic is a 1980 short film released as part of the Warner Bros.' Merrie Melodies series. Starring the legendary Mel Blanc with a supporting voice role by Paul Julian, the short encapsulates the classic elements of slapstick humor, mind-boggling chases, and unforgettable characters.

Soup or Sonic demonstrates how animation can be a lively source of amusement and laughter. The cartoon short chronicles yet another episode in the endless chase between Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner, characters conceptualized by the renowned Chuck Jones. The cartoon is known for its comedic take on the pursuit dynamic where the predator, Wile E. Coyote, endlessly and unsuccessfully chases its prey, the speedy Road Runner, set in the American Southwest's desert landscape.

The voice of Mel Blanc, often referred to as a 'hundred voices', is the power behind many of the characters. Throughout the storyline, Blanc's vocal artistry breathes life into the characters with his well-timed, animated expressions and exclamations that often drive the dialogue-free action. Blanc has given his voice to some of the most iconic characters in animated history, and in Soup or Sonic, his talent shines as bright as ever. Paul Julian too, brings forward his magnificent vocal talent to contribute to the overall composition of the film.

Soup or Sonic begins with Wile E. Coyote strategically and methodically trying to snag his winged nemesis using a variety of elaborate snares, advanced weaponry, and cunning ploys, all while dealing with the high-speed escapes of Road Runner. While the film is set primarily in a desert, it does delve into a series of underground burrows that generate modified versions of the game of cat and mouse between the characters, resulting in enhanced humor and more trickery.

The comedic timing, the cleverly planted visual puns, and the well-coordinated sounds effects stand out in Soup or Sonic, and are signature elements of the Jones and Blanc era of Warner Bros. The short is characterized by certain principles and formulas: expectation turned on its head, well-orchestrated slapstick comedy, and the immortalizing of the characters through the ironies of speed.

One of the film's crowning achievements is its ability to tell a story with no spoken dialogue. Instead, the tale is told through visual storytelling, slapstick humor, and the array of sounds that fill the desert scene. This is especially apparent when the film makes use of the ironic slapstick comedy beloved to fans of Looney Tunes—no matter how clever or inescapable Coyote's traps for the Road Runner seem, he always ends up being the one hurt, usually as a result of his own contraptions.

Even after many decades, Soup or Sonic remains enjoyable due to its coherent, simple, yet crisp animation. The appealing colors, synchronized movements, and the integration of classic animation techniques play a significant role in making this film a visual delight.

What completes this narrative is the memorable musical score by Rob Walsh, which accompanies the action on the screen. The music whimsically punctuates each twist and turn in the narrative, adding an extra layer to the entertainment and enhancing the comic timing of the film.

Chuck Jones, the director of the short, has created an enduring legacy through his animated films, and Soup or Sonic certainly adds to this rich heritage. This short film serves as a testament to Jones' genius and his understanding of comedy and pacing, marking it as a showcase of masterful animation and a delightful portrayal of one of animation's most iconic duos.

Soup or Sonic is a worthy addition to any cartoon lover's collection, old and new alike. The film's charm lies in its simplicity, innovative animation techniques, and the testament it serves to the golden age of Warner Bros. animation. Whether you are a fan of the classic Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote cartoons or a newcomer to the series, Soup or Sonic is sure to keep you entertained and craving for more of these timeless characters. It stands as a classic testament to the rib-tickling joy and masterful artistry of the animated short film.